The Dream Bear

f i v e

"So you two made up?" Blaire's voice is a warm welcome over the phone, reminding me that despite all that's been going on, I still have a normal best friend who keeps up with my love life.

 "Yeah, we did." I smile, and let out a dramatic, girly sigh. "So how's you and that guy? You know, the one from SPU?"

"Oh, him?" Blaire barks a laugh. "Nah, he's back at SPU and let me just say…well actually I don't really have anything to say. The date was good, the kiss was good, but I just wasn't that into him." I nod as she gives me the same excuse as all the other times.

"You've got to get out there eventually, Blaire. I know what happened sucked--"

"No, really, it's fine. I'm fine, honestly. That has nothing to do with this; I just didn't like the guy so…I wasn't gonna lead him on, that would be mean."

I shrug, realizing that Blaire won't want to talk about her most recent breakup for a while. After three years of dating and loving the guy, he had to move away for an amazing job offer, therefore ending the relationship. It's been a year since he moved away, and I'm trying to get her to open up a little more, mostly because she's a good person and she definitely deserves another chance at love. "Well, I'm gonna go; I'm super hungry and Wade should be back any minute with food."

"Alright…oh, hey! Speaking of food, let's go out to eat tomorrow, yeah?"

I groan. "What for?"

Blaire's dramatic gasp makes me smile. "Do we need a reason to honor our best friendliness?"

"Gross. I'm hanging up, text me the details." She giggles as I press end. I rub my fingers against my temple. In desperate need of a Tylenol, I trudge into the kitchen, holding a cloth protectively over my torso. Though the curtains are closed, my mother taught me to be paranoid at a young age. Can't take any chances. After popping three pills in my mouth along with a swallow of ice water, I go back to the couch, situating myself as comfortably as I can. "Why must bad things happen to me?" I sigh dejectedly, in an I-hate-the-world manner.

"Oh, hush, you Debby Downer. As long as I gift you with my presence, you shouldn't complain." I turn my head just in time to see his wink and sly smile. Wade drops a McDonald's bag on the coffee table. He leans down to press a kiss to my forehead, murmuring a hello as he does so.

"You shouldn't be so cocky; I'll have to throw you out the window 'cause your head's too big to fit through the doorway." This is my grumbled testament as I grin at him.

He smiles at me and grabs the paper bag, pulling out burgers, fries, and chicken nuggets. My stomach growls loudly because I haven't eaten since yesterday morning, and I plan to eat anything I can. With a wince and short, panting breaths I sit up and grab some food, fully prepared to dig in.

After we eat, we put on a movie and sit back to watch it, though it's a half-hearted attempt on my part.

"So Blaire's taking me out tomorrow." I twist the ring on my finger quietly when I feel Wade's gaze on my face.

"Ever…" From the corner of my eye I see him push an irritated hand through his thick hair. "I don't want to make waves…" There's a suffering sigh. "But I've been looking into her. Don't you find it funny that she convinced you to get into dream interpretation?"

I think for a moment, then stop and narrow my eyes at him. No way is he going to tell me Blaire's out to get me. The woman's been my friend for as long as I've been an adult.

"No, actually. She's my best friend; it's her job to support me. In fact, I would be suspicious if she didn't encourage me to do what I want. With a final disapproving look--with a head tilt and everything--I settle back down.